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Mystery at Thunderbolt House
book, used young adult novel
313 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1944
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172 people want to read
About the author
Howard Pease
146 books7 followersHoward Pease was an American writer of adventure stories from Stockton, California. Most of his stories revolved around a young protagonist, Joseph Todhunter ("Tod") Moran, who shipped out on tramp freighters during the interwar years.
Pease received two literary awards during his lifetime. In 1944, he received the California Commonwealth Book Award for his novel Thunderbolt House (reprinted by Scholastic as Mystery at Thunderbolt House, published that year, and in 1946 he was awarded the Children's Book Award from the Children's Book Committee at Bank Street College of Education "for a book that deals realistically with problems in the child's world" for his novel Heart of Danger.
Pease received two literary awards during his lifetime. In 1944, he received the California Commonwealth Book Award for his novel Thunderbolt House (reprinted by Scholastic as Mystery at Thunderbolt House, published that year, and in 1946 he was awarded the Children's Book Award from the Children's Book Committee at Bank Street College of Education "for a book that deals realistically with problems in the child's world" for his novel Heart of Danger.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
May 6, 2019
Read this when I was a teenager. Might have to find again and read; I remember liking it a lot, so it would be interesting to see what my much older self thinks of the book.
August 2, 2012
I bought this book when I was in sixth grade from the Scholastic Book Club order in elementary school. My comments inside the front cover state "my very first paperback book!". I still have my copy of this book. Obviously, I thought it was fantastic since it started me on my journey and love affair with books and reading. I would like to thank the people at Scholastic Book Services who had the vision when they began to put the monthly order forms into the elementary schools for children to be introduced to reading and books and also to my mother who let me order books each month since she knew how important reading was to me.
June 8, 2012
I loved this book as a kid. I recently reread it and was kind of aghast at the racism and misogyny that ran through the story. The depictions of the Chinese and women in this book is really revolting. That aside (which, admittedly, is a big thing) it was a fun story.
October 19, 2016
(FROM MY BLOG) When I was about 12 or 13, our teacher read us a story about a college boy who, aspiring to be a writer but not having any experiences in life to write about, signed aboard the crew of a tramp steamer. It was a story that naturally appealed to all the boys in the class. The author wrote a whole series of adventures at sea about that same kid and his adventures aboard ship. I read a good many of them on my own, after listening to the one read in class.
I discovered that the same author also wrote a non-maritime book about a teenaged boy who inherited a collection of first edition books, books located in the mansion in San Francisco where the deceased uncle had lived. The story ended with the great earthquake in 1906. (For years, I've thought that it was this story that the teacher had read to us, but now, after re-reading it, I'm convinced that I discovered it on my own.)
From early adulthood, I've wanted to re-read some of that author's books, but I couldn't remember his name, or the exact title of any of the books. I seemed to recall the earthquake book's being called Earthquake House, but no such book with that title seemed to exist. Then, a week or so ago, a friend emailed me about a series of books he remembered reading as a kid, books about spooky ships with dangerous characters. That wasn't exactly the way I remembered my series, but I decided to check out on Amazon the author whose name he gave me -- Howard Pease.
Amazon's summaries of Pease's seafaring stories were somewhat as I recalled them. But, more convincingly, I saw that Pease had also written a book about rare books and the San Francisco earthquake. The book was titled Thunderbolt House.
Bingo!
All of Pease's books are out of print. I paid an exorbitant price for a second-hand copy of a paperback edition of Thunderbolt House, a paperback bearing a cover price of 35 cents. I've read it, and I'm glad I bought it.
Pease published the book in 1944 (although my paperback edition, with the tantalizing "Mystery at" added to the title, was published by Scholastic in 1961). It's an exciting mystery, clearly intended for a young adult readership. But nothing in the plot or characterization or language has been dumbed down for young readers. The book is well worth reading if for no reason other than its faithful description of San Francisco and surrounding areas in 1905 and 1906. The eponymous Thunderbolt House is located at a clearly identified spot on Bush Street, on Nob Hill -- an exclusive residential area at the time which was only then beginning to give way to Pacific Heights as the place to live.
The "mystery" portion of the plot involves fall-out from the now almost-forgotten and controversial San Francisco Vigilante Committees of the mid-nineteenth century.
The teenager Jud and his family move to Thunderbolt House from their home in Stockton, after the uncle dies and leaves them his property. Jud receives the entire contents of the uncle's library as a specific bequest. The boy and his father gradually realize that the uncle had no interest in reading -- the books were primarily rare first editions, and they had all been purchased as investments. They are worth millions (in today's dollars).
From being a middle class Stockton family, Jud's family overnight has become a wealthy family of San Franciscans. Only Jud and his father keep their wits about them. Jud's mother and sister, as well as their cousins, are painted like Elizabeth Bennett's female relatives in Pride and Prejudice. All they can think of is shopping lavishly and twittering about becoming accepted by the "best people" in San Francisco society.
Pease may well have described their Chinese servants accurately, as such servants would have appeared in 1905, but his vivid description of their pidgin speech, exotic dress, "pigtail" hair styles, and "squinty eyes" bring to mind controversies over the use of Huckleberry Finn in today's high schools. Probably not an acceptable book for mandatory reading lists in today's schools.
The family is beginning to come apart, drifting off in many directions, when the 1906 earthquake and fire occur. The house is directly in the path of the fire moving up from Market Street, and adjacent areas are being dynamited, as the family escapes. They try loading the best of the rare books into their car, but the military commandeers the car and dumps the books in the street.
Jud's family loses its entire inheritance in the fire, but the father luckily had retained the home and business in Stockton. The adversity brings out the best in everyone, they come together as a family, and they look forward bravely to the future. Jud will return to his high school in Stockton, but still plans on heading to Stanford -- also severely damaged -- for college. They aren't destitute.
The book reminds the reader -- without being heavy-handed -- that people and family are more important than money and possessions, and that books should be valued for their contents, not for their fancy binding or their market value.
Over the decades, I had forgotten many of the complexities of the book's plot. What I didn't forget was that, as a 13-year-old, I had put the book down with tears in my eyes. Not tears for the loss of beautiful Thunderbolt House, doomed by the fiery inferno, or for the family's financial losses. But tears for all those beautiful ruined books.
Books. Always books. As they say, the child is father of the man.
I discovered that the same author also wrote a non-maritime book about a teenaged boy who inherited a collection of first edition books, books located in the mansion in San Francisco where the deceased uncle had lived. The story ended with the great earthquake in 1906. (For years, I've thought that it was this story that the teacher had read to us, but now, after re-reading it, I'm convinced that I discovered it on my own.)
From early adulthood, I've wanted to re-read some of that author's books, but I couldn't remember his name, or the exact title of any of the books. I seemed to recall the earthquake book's being called Earthquake House, but no such book with that title seemed to exist. Then, a week or so ago, a friend emailed me about a series of books he remembered reading as a kid, books about spooky ships with dangerous characters. That wasn't exactly the way I remembered my series, but I decided to check out on Amazon the author whose name he gave me -- Howard Pease.
Amazon's summaries of Pease's seafaring stories were somewhat as I recalled them. But, more convincingly, I saw that Pease had also written a book about rare books and the San Francisco earthquake. The book was titled Thunderbolt House.
Bingo!
All of Pease's books are out of print. I paid an exorbitant price for a second-hand copy of a paperback edition of Thunderbolt House, a paperback bearing a cover price of 35 cents. I've read it, and I'm glad I bought it.
Pease published the book in 1944 (although my paperback edition, with the tantalizing "Mystery at" added to the title, was published by Scholastic in 1961). It's an exciting mystery, clearly intended for a young adult readership. But nothing in the plot or characterization or language has been dumbed down for young readers. The book is well worth reading if for no reason other than its faithful description of San Francisco and surrounding areas in 1905 and 1906. The eponymous Thunderbolt House is located at a clearly identified spot on Bush Street, on Nob Hill -- an exclusive residential area at the time which was only then beginning to give way to Pacific Heights as the place to live.
The "mystery" portion of the plot involves fall-out from the now almost-forgotten and controversial San Francisco Vigilante Committees of the mid-nineteenth century.
The teenager Jud and his family move to Thunderbolt House from their home in Stockton, after the uncle dies and leaves them his property. Jud receives the entire contents of the uncle's library as a specific bequest. The boy and his father gradually realize that the uncle had no interest in reading -- the books were primarily rare first editions, and they had all been purchased as investments. They are worth millions (in today's dollars).
From being a middle class Stockton family, Jud's family overnight has become a wealthy family of San Franciscans. Only Jud and his father keep their wits about them. Jud's mother and sister, as well as their cousins, are painted like Elizabeth Bennett's female relatives in Pride and Prejudice. All they can think of is shopping lavishly and twittering about becoming accepted by the "best people" in San Francisco society.
Pease may well have described their Chinese servants accurately, as such servants would have appeared in 1905, but his vivid description of their pidgin speech, exotic dress, "pigtail" hair styles, and "squinty eyes" bring to mind controversies over the use of Huckleberry Finn in today's high schools. Probably not an acceptable book for mandatory reading lists in today's schools.
The family is beginning to come apart, drifting off in many directions, when the 1906 earthquake and fire occur. The house is directly in the path of the fire moving up from Market Street, and adjacent areas are being dynamited, as the family escapes. They try loading the best of the rare books into their car, but the military commandeers the car and dumps the books in the street.
Jud's family loses its entire inheritance in the fire, but the father luckily had retained the home and business in Stockton. The adversity brings out the best in everyone, they come together as a family, and they look forward bravely to the future. Jud will return to his high school in Stockton, but still plans on heading to Stanford -- also severely damaged -- for college. They aren't destitute.
The book reminds the reader -- without being heavy-handed -- that people and family are more important than money and possessions, and that books should be valued for their contents, not for their fancy binding or their market value.
Over the decades, I had forgotten many of the complexities of the book's plot. What I didn't forget was that, as a 13-year-old, I had put the book down with tears in my eyes. Not tears for the loss of beautiful Thunderbolt House, doomed by the fiery inferno, or for the family's financial losses. But tears for all those beautiful ruined books.
Books. Always books. As they say, the child is father of the man.
November 26, 2019
I bought this book originally in the 1970s, as part of the Scholastic Books program at school. A mystery? Set in San Francisco just before the 1906 fire and earthquake? With BOOKS? AND a finale with the earthquake happening? I loved books and my grandmother, who actually survived the 1906 earthquake growing up in San Francisco and told us stories about it - of course I wanted to read this book!
Young Jud Allen had a normal life in Stockton, until a recluse great uncle left his mother a fabulous mansion and lots of money in San Francisco. While initially planning to only spend a vacation in Thunderbolt House - so named because of the mine that started his uncle's fortunes as well as his temper - the access to easy money gradually changes all the Allens, and not always for the better.
While his older brother gads about and gets into trouble at the Barbary Coast and his mother and older sister try to climb the social ladder, Jud is troubled by several mysteries. Why will no one talk about the hints of tragedy in the house? Who has cut pages about his uncle out of ALL the editions of a book about early San Francisco? Why does he keep finding a lamp lit in his library? And who is taking his valuable first editions?
It's not much of a mystery as the description of San Francisco before the fire, and the uncovering of family skeletons. The books are very interesting to read about. While I would never collect rare books for the income they could bring, it was intriguing to read about what was collectible, even over a century ago.
The depiction of the fire and earthquake, as well as the aftermath, match what my grandmother told me, the research I conducted when I got older at the Oakland and San Francisco libraries, as well as hearing the Survivors talk about it the few times I made it to Lotta's Fountain at 5:18 AM for the commemoration ceremony in San Francisco.
Re-reading this book as an adult, the author's interest in the early days of California is very evident. This book was also written in the 1940s, so his depiction of the Chinese servants can seem a bit cringeworthy at times. More books by this author, as well as Zilpha Keatley Snyder, would be great for introducing young readers to the people and times of early California.
Young Jud Allen had a normal life in Stockton, until a recluse great uncle left his mother a fabulous mansion and lots of money in San Francisco. While initially planning to only spend a vacation in Thunderbolt House - so named because of the mine that started his uncle's fortunes as well as his temper - the access to easy money gradually changes all the Allens, and not always for the better.
While his older brother gads about and gets into trouble at the Barbary Coast and his mother and older sister try to climb the social ladder, Jud is troubled by several mysteries. Why will no one talk about the hints of tragedy in the house? Who has cut pages about his uncle out of ALL the editions of a book about early San Francisco? Why does he keep finding a lamp lit in his library? And who is taking his valuable first editions?
It's not much of a mystery as the description of San Francisco before the fire, and the uncovering of family skeletons. The books are very interesting to read about. While I would never collect rare books for the income they could bring, it was intriguing to read about what was collectible, even over a century ago.
The depiction of the fire and earthquake, as well as the aftermath, match what my grandmother told me, the research I conducted when I got older at the Oakland and San Francisco libraries, as well as hearing the Survivors talk about it the few times I made it to Lotta's Fountain at 5:18 AM for the commemoration ceremony in San Francisco.
Re-reading this book as an adult, the author's interest in the early days of California is very evident. This book was also written in the 1940s, so his depiction of the Chinese servants can seem a bit cringeworthy at times. More books by this author, as well as Zilpha Keatley Snyder, would be great for introducing young readers to the people and times of early California.
April 6, 2022
Like many of the other reviewers, I discovered this book in the public library, in my case at age 11 in 1957. I couldn't get enough of it, read it many times and looked for it again when my family moved and I had a new library. The setting, San Francisco, was new to me and the vision of a library full of rare books was enticing to a bookworm like me. All these years later, the memory of that story has stayed with me, so I went on a search and recently discovered a copy online. I paid too much, but I wanted to see how it be, reading it as an adult. My reactions were mixed.
It starts out very slowly, setting up the chain of events that take Jud and his family to the house in San Francisco that has been left to his mother by an wealthy uncle. Surprisingly, the will also provided that Jud should inherit the library of rare books. His discoveries in that library were intriguing to me as a kid; less so now when, as an adult, I know much more about first editions and their value. I liked that the characters were more than stereotypes, and each one changed as they faced the future together in the aftermath of the 1906 earthquake. This was a new period of history to me, and the author's descriptions of the details were gripping, even on this most recent read. The ending was a bit of a letdown, though, almost begging for a sequel.
Many people would be put off by the realistic depictions of racism that were typical for the time, but I think it's good that it is there because it's the truth. Too many authors feel that they have to give their historical characters thoughts and feelings that would not have been common in the previous times, to satisfy modern sensibilities. I think it's good for young readers to see the past as it was, and to realize that there's no such thing as the "good old days."
It starts out very slowly, setting up the chain of events that take Jud and his family to the house in San Francisco that has been left to his mother by an wealthy uncle. Surprisingly, the will also provided that Jud should inherit the library of rare books. His discoveries in that library were intriguing to me as a kid; less so now when, as an adult, I know much more about first editions and their value. I liked that the characters were more than stereotypes, and each one changed as they faced the future together in the aftermath of the 1906 earthquake. This was a new period of history to me, and the author's descriptions of the details were gripping, even on this most recent read. The ending was a bit of a letdown, though, almost begging for a sequel.
Many people would be put off by the realistic depictions of racism that were typical for the time, but I think it's good that it is there because it's the truth. Too many authors feel that they have to give their historical characters thoughts and feelings that would not have been common in the previous times, to satisfy modern sensibilities. I think it's good for young readers to see the past as it was, and to realize that there's no such thing as the "good old days."
October 15, 2015
This historical story, set in San Francisco the year going up to the great earthquake, is a broadly disguised fantasy of Pease's own experience of the shake.
Some elements are based upon his recollection of his aunt, who he recalls being pictured high atop a loaded waggon that is transporting her household items away from the destruction.
The story of rags-to-riches, a common Horatio Alger era theme, also mirror's Pease's family suddenly acquiring a windfall inheritance. However, his own family experience is considerably more subdued to the immense wealth his protagonist finds.
Pease said this book was his personal favorite.
Pease's full stories were printed in American Boy Magazine and illustrated by the renowned artist Anton Otto Fischer whose graphic work was found on many covers such as The Saturday Evening Post.
If you are interested in the artwork that illustrated Pease's stories, go to:
Pease Images
Some elements are based upon his recollection of his aunt, who he recalls being pictured high atop a loaded waggon that is transporting her household items away from the destruction.
The story of rags-to-riches, a common Horatio Alger era theme, also mirror's Pease's family suddenly acquiring a windfall inheritance. However, his own family experience is considerably more subdued to the immense wealth his protagonist finds.
Pease said this book was his personal favorite.
Pease's full stories were printed in American Boy Magazine and illustrated by the renowned artist Anton Otto Fischer whose graphic work was found on many covers such as The Saturday Evening Post.
If you are interested in the artwork that illustrated Pease's stories, go to:
Pease Images
February 21, 2021
There's a little story here. I had originally read this book as an 8th grader in 1962-63.It was part of our curriculum and it became one of my favorite books as a youth combining my interest in history with a family history of my grandfather being a young man during the San Francisco earthquake and fires of 1906. In fact he was just about the same age as our hero, Jud.
For several years I had searched for the book and I recently finally found it. I just put it down and I have to admit I enjoyed it just as much, if not more, after a 59 year interval!!
Written in 1943 (!), the style is different-especially evident in long, long paragraphs and there are a many who would consider it politically incorrect by today's standards, it nonetheless kept my interest throughout. It didn't have the feel of a book designed for a school audience but there were a couple of instances where "doing the right thing" was certainly quite evident-a strong message in that era's Catholic school environment.
It was a nice walk down memory lane. I had remembered the basic plot of the story but little of the details. One thing of note-the price for it in 1943 was 60 cents.
For several years I had searched for the book and I recently finally found it. I just put it down and I have to admit I enjoyed it just as much, if not more, after a 59 year interval!!
Written in 1943 (!), the style is different-especially evident in long, long paragraphs and there are a many who would consider it politically incorrect by today's standards, it nonetheless kept my interest throughout. It didn't have the feel of a book designed for a school audience but there were a couple of instances where "doing the right thing" was certainly quite evident-a strong message in that era's Catholic school environment.
It was a nice walk down memory lane. I had remembered the basic plot of the story but little of the details. One thing of note-the price for it in 1943 was 60 cents.
November 25, 2018
As a boy Howard Pease was one of my favorite authors. Most of his books are set on ships at sea. Mystery at Thunderbolt House is one of his few books with a land setting. The time is 1905 and 1906 and the place is San Francisco. The Allen family who live in Stockton CA have just inherited a mansion in San Francisco. Mysteries revolve around the questionable past of Mrs. Allen's uncle Edward Judson who left his house and contents to her. The protagonist Judson Allen, 17, inherits Uncle Edward's collection of valuable books. Why do books keep disappearing from the mansion's library and what was Uncle Edward's involvement with the Vigilantes.
October 12, 2019
The Allen family is modestly getting by in Stockton, CA in 1905 when Mrs. Allen inherits Thunderbolt house and a large sum of money from her uncle in San Francisco. Mr. Allen is upset because he should make the money not his wife, only the beginning of the sexist bs in this book. Jud, the youngest son, is the narrator,who among other things describes his sister as not attractive and lucky if she ends up with a teaching job. Once they end up at the house in San Francisco there are two Chinese American servants who are treated in a very derogatory manner and speak in pidgin English. I couldn't get past the blatant racism and sexism to actually care about any part of the story.
March 13, 2010
I really enjoyed the book. It brought the story to life, however I found that the ending was very lacking.
May 8, 2020
enjoyed the quick read
January 2, 2023
I also got this book through Junior Scholastic while in the sixth grade. One of my favorites.
August 4, 2018
This was... a weird book.
It started off very slowly and I was wondering why I was even reading for a little while. God, Jud's dad is the most insecure person in the world. What a dumb wet blanket.
It picked up when they got to the titular house and I was really intrigued by the library mystery. The setting also was very interesting and well-described, I loved hearing about everything going on and what it was like.
But the mystery got less interesting as Jud pulled the strings. The eventual conclusion was anticlimactic and resulted in nothing. And then the bit with Steve was just tacked on and dumb too. If mysteries were fireworks this one would be a dud.
The final section - DISASTER - was incredibly unexpected. I didn't realize the book was going to go into full San Fran Earthquake mode but then it did. I'm split on it, it was fun seeing what happened after this historic event, and from an educational perspective I was fascinated. But it also wiped out anything that the book had tried to accomplish. Everything you had been made to care about was now just gone. So... that wasn't exactly fun to read.
It was an okay book.
It started off very slowly and I was wondering why I was even reading for a little while. God, Jud's dad is the most insecure person in the world. What a dumb wet blanket.
It picked up when they got to the titular house and I was really intrigued by the library mystery. The setting also was very interesting and well-described, I loved hearing about everything going on and what it was like.
But the mystery got less interesting as Jud pulled the strings. The eventual conclusion was anticlimactic and resulted in nothing. And then the bit with Steve was just tacked on and dumb too. If mysteries were fireworks this one would be a dud.
The final section - DISASTER - was incredibly unexpected. I didn't realize the book was going to go into full San Fran Earthquake mode but then it did. I'm split on it, it was fun seeing what happened after this historic event, and from an educational perspective I was fascinated. But it also wiped out anything that the book had tried to accomplish. Everything you had been made to care about was now just gone. So... that wasn't exactly fun to read.
It was an okay book.
January 17, 2021
The story starts slow (the author doesn't introduce characters smoothly), but it's worth pushing through the introductory chapters.
The story has a good moral; it's about the corruption money can bring to relationships, and how this family struggles to adjust to suddenly becoming rich after their wealthy uncle dies and leaves their mother Thunderbolt House and a lot of money besides. Judson, the main character, comes to own a library of rare books. The story follows a mystery surrounding that library. I won't say more... You'll have to just read it!
The story has a good moral; it's about the corruption money can bring to relationships, and how this family struggles to adjust to suddenly becoming rich after their wealthy uncle dies and leaves their mother Thunderbolt House and a lot of money besides. Judson, the main character, comes to own a library of rare books. The story follows a mystery surrounding that library. I won't say more... You'll have to just read it!
Read
March 15, 2022I found an old paperback copy of this in my basement. It had probably been there for decades, unread, purchased at a used book sale. It was quite enjoyable historical fiction.
March 14, 2024
Good mystery! I enjoyed reading.
February 4, 2016
A captivating mystery for young adults. Enough details and facts about literature to be informative. Enough of a mystery to keep my attention. Written from the perspective of a young boy makes it easy for a young reader to become involved. I credit this book with getting me interested in reading and learning to enjoy books.
I plan to read again and doubt it will compete with the much more complicated mysteries I read as an adult - however, my rating is based on the impact it made on me when I was 10.
I plan to read again and doubt it will compete with the much more complicated mysteries I read as an adult - however, my rating is based on the impact it made on me when I was 10.
November 21, 2015
I read this as a kid; got it through the Scholastic book club order, so it must have been the 1966 paperback edition. I recall reading this book several times, and would love to again, for nostalgia's sake. One of the details that stuck in met head were the serial issues of the Pickwick Papers that Jud found in the library of the old mansion. It was also a gateway to learning more about the Great Quake.
Great to be able to ID this childhood classic!
Great to be able to ID this childhood classic!
October 1, 2013
Would have rated hired except it was a bit of a chore to finish. The setting is well established, the period detailed, the main characters bright and the divergences into discussions about late 19th century novels a real treat, but the secondary cast is thin, the mystery disappears in the third act and the coda is pointlessly destructive.
November 17, 2007
One of my favorite books as a child, but I have not been able to find a copy for my own (large) library. A mystery story set during the San Francisco Earthquake.
February 22, 2009
I read this as a teen, and liked it, but that's all I remember about it. I think I still have my copy... probably should dig it out and re-read it.
April 25, 2010
Great chilhood novel about the history of San Francisco.
December 23, 2010
This is one of my favorite books from my childhood, I've read it at least a dozen times and love it every time! Highly recommend, a great mystery set in an amazing time for San Francisco!
September 8, 2015
one of the best books ever, should be a classic.
March 31, 2011
classic ripping yarn set in 1905-6 Stockton and SF ending with quake days
August 4, 2014
Suspenseful & unpredictable
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews